to Bob Potter

[Guest guest]

Hi Bob,

I live in SE wisconsin but work in the Milwaukee area. I am

familiar with most of the milwaukee hospitals and physicians

and unfortunately I do not know of anyone in our area that is very

knowledgeable about CP. Most of the doctors here are more

interested in diagnosing and treating malignancy of the

pancreas and if / when it is benign disease, they usually

approach it as " well, it isn't fatal so be thankful and adjust " . I

have given up finding anyone within the state and am just putting

all of my eggs in the pain management basket, keeping my

fingers crossed that the disease doesn't get more than I can

manage on my own. But if you have any insight or advice that

you can offer for finding a pancreas doctor / care in our area I

sure would welcome it

As far as your question about percocet / oxycodone: basically

these are exactly the same drug. Percocet is oxycodone with

tylenol in it. Most doctors will not prescribe percocet long term

because of the damaging effect of tylenol on the liver. My doctor

switched me to oxycodone after 3 months of percocet use

especially when my liver function tests started to be a little

abnormal. But you are right in it being one of the stronger pain

medication although that is also influenced by each person's

response. Some people find that vicodin, morphine or dilaudid is

more effective. I have a friend who doesn't get any relief from

oxycodone but gets significant relief from darvocet, which is

suppose to be a " weaker " pain med. And I really do not get any

relief from morphine although dilaudid is a miracle drug as far

as I am concerned. So sometimes you have to try different meds

to find the right one.

As far as understanding and support........you got it right that this

is a disease that is hard for family to come to terms with. I know

my family basically has no understanding of me and has

basically shut me out....which is fine for me as I found that I

would rather not deal with them and their lack of compassion or

willingness to make allowances (as far as food and not always

being able to visit for holidays, not being able to make firm plans,

not being able to entertain them when they stop by

unannounced, that kind of thing - they take HUGE offense at

this....which is why I dread holidays now). My husband is getting

better but still does hurtful things when it comes to food

planning....more out of forgetfulness rather than malice. But very

hurtful just the same. We rarely if ever, eat together now.......a

compromise that works well I think.

Anyways, just wanted to offer a friendly voice from someone

close to home. I hope that maybe we can compare notes on the

local availability of specialists - maybe between the two of us we

can root out an acceptable doctor that is willing to meet our

health care needs.

Laurie